Forty-one year old New Canaan resident Colin Coogan took part in a Grand Canyon hike to benefit multiple myeloma research on May 4, and to honor his mother who was diagnosed with this incurable blood cancer in 2007. Colin’s effort, along with those of his fellow hikers, will be done to support myeloma patients like his Mom. This event is co-sponsored by the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, CURE Magazine and Takeda Oncology.
To the average hiker, a trek on the Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Trail would be a bucket list moment. The hike along the Canyon’s Southern Rim is not without its challenges, though, and has become one of the more iconic treks in the US. And despite the millions of annual visitors to the Canyon, the smallest of fractions — less than 1% — dare to step foot on a trail and embrace the challenges of this memorable hike.
With this hike, Colin will help raise money for research to combat this deadly hematological cancer, and take on the 4,300+ foot vertical descent and turn around all in a day’s time. He has seen firsthand how the drugs and research helped his Mom during her battle with this blood cancer and is eager to help raise money for the MMRF with this Grand Canyon hike and help them keep up ongoing cancer research. The rigors of this climb, also includes a 35° temperature swing from top to bottom, but if you ask Colin about contending with these temperature ups and downs, he will tell you that “myeloma patients have it far worse as they battle the devastating effects of this rare cancer,” citing his mother’s experience.
New Canaan resident, Colin Coogan with his family at the Grand Canyon.
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